Pick up at hotel ->　Heian Shrine ->　Nanzenji Temple　->　Konchiin Templeal

◆Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Kyoto as a Japanese capital and the first and was dedicated to theFirst and last Emperors who ruled in Kyoto. The
buildings on the ground are colorful replicas of the original buildings, reduced to five eighths the size of the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Heian period from (late eighth ｔｏ mid twelfth century. They reflect the influence of Tang Dynasty palace architecture, which flourished in Japan in the 8th century.
The Oten-mon Gate, the Tower of the Blue Dragon and the Tower of the White Tiger, located in
the Inner Court are famous architectural features of the shrine. The Sacred Garden is a traditional stroll garden with ponds and fountains that use water from Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. This tranquil garden has been designated as a scenic beauty by the Japanese government.

◆Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji Tempe is the main temple of the Nanzenji sect of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism,with numerous subtemples on its expansive grounds. It began its existence as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama, but it was dedicated as a Zen temple upon his death in 1291. Its original buildings were burned down in the late 15th century, and most of the present
structures were reconstructed in the17th century. In front of the main hall, there is a dry landscape garden called the "Leaping Tiger Garden", which is well worth a visit. Gorgeous paintings are also shown on the thick paper sliding doors in the main halls. Nanzenji Temple is as graceful, splendid and magnificent Zen temple.

◆Konchi-in Temple
Originally located at Takagamine, in the northern part of Kyoto, Konchi-in temple was relocated to its present site in 1605. The chief monk of Nanzenji Temple at that time, Ishin Suden, restored and reconstructed it as one of the 12 subtemples of Nanzenji Temple. With his strong connection with Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Suden was allowed to play a major part in both political and religious affairs, being touted as "the Prime Minister clad in black clothing".
A dry landscape garden designed by the master landscape designer Kobori Enshu was completed in about 1630. The white sand in the garden represents the ocean with a treasure ship sailing on its sand seas. A motif is arranged between two flat stones, A crane-shaped stone on the right and a turtle-shaped stone on the left , and the surrounding scenery enhances the
appearance of the garden.
Wherever you go in this temple, you can experience Japanese culture as it existed during the
late 16th and early 17th centuries.